Suspected uploader caught red-handed by police

19th March 2010

A resident of the Polish city of Lodz who allegedly shared more than 670 infringing music and film files online has been caught in the act by the Polish police. It is estimated that the uploaded files were downloaded by over 400,000 internet users and the initial losses incurred by the music and film industries are estimated to be 7 million PLN (€ 1.8 m).

Officers from the economic crime department of the regional police headquarters in Lodz observed increased activity by a user of a Polish-based cyberlocker. The user allegedly regularly uploaded files with new music and film releases and promoted the fact on many online forums, encouraging other internet users to download the files for free in exchange for positive comments on these forums.

Police detained the suspect as he was uploading a new film. Yesterday, he was charged with illegally distributing music and film online. Under Article 116 of Poland's copyright law: "Whoever, without authorisation or acting contrary to its terms, disseminates a work of another in its original or derivative version, or artistic performance, phonogram, videogram or broadcast, shall be liable to imprisonment for not more than two years, restriction of liberty, or a fine".

ZPAV, which represents the recorded music industry in Poland, has filed an application for the suspect to be prosecuted.